“Adios!” cried the pirates, waving sentimental hands, and guffawing secretly to each other.

“C‑c‑come and see us in England!” came Edward’s clear treble.

“Yes!” cried Emily. “Come and stay with us! All of you!⁠— Promise you’ll come and stay with us!”

“All right!” shouted Otto. “We’ll come!”

“Come soon !”

“My babies!” wailed Rachel. “I’ve lost ’most all my babies!”

But now they were alongside the steamer: and soon they were mounting a rope ladder to her deck.